A doctor plays a key role in using his or her medical knowledge and skills in order to diagnose, supervise and prevent disease. They predominantly work in the public sector, but can also work in the pharmaceutical industry, the armed forces, research and outpatient clinics.
There are numerous important responsibilities in the role, such as providing patient care in hospital wards and outpatient clinics, using equipment including blood pressure monitors and stethoscopes, informing patients if they require special care or treatment, and carrying out specialist investigations.
A doctor will be able to respond to complicated and demanding patient situations, to prioritize patients in accordance with their clinical needs, to maintain concise, accurate and timely confidential records of patients and to work long hours under pressure, and will have the confidence to make strong decisions.
A degree in medicine is essential for the role. The procedure usually takes four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years in medical school, and a further three to eight years working in residency and internships programs. The general annual income for the role is upwards of C
$100,000, with a family doctor earning an average of C
$103,000.